United Way of Greater Cincinnati - LIVE UNITED

United Way's Earned Income Tax Credit Initiative

The Regional EITC Collaborative led by United Way of Greater Cincinnati, is a coalition of business, nonprofit and government partners with one purpose -- to help eligible wage earners in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana receive quality tax preparation and wealth-building opportunities to strengthen their own financial stability. Regional partners in delivering free tax preparation include VITA, AARP, Benefit Bank and United Way.

The Collaborative promotes free and fair tax preparation services for middle and low-income wage earners. Many filers are subject to filing fees and refund anticipation loans sold to them by private, for-profit businesses. Eligible wage earners can avoid these fees and loans by using the Collaborative's Free Tax Prep & E-filing Sites and services throughout Southwestern Ohio and Northern Kentucky. The sites and services are free, quick and an efficient alternative to paid preparers.

The Collaborative also encourages financial independence and savings for middle and low-income households. Wealth-building is an important step toward home ownership, saving for education or retirement, and day-to-day living.

Give Help

United Way is looking for people who can give a few hours of their time volunteering as a tax preparer, helping thousands of people get more of their own money back through the Regional Earned Income Tax Credit Initiative.

People interested in volunteering do not need to have any previous experience. Volunteers will receive free training in preparing computerized tax returns, offering them the opportunity to learn a valuable skill while giving back to the community. Once trained, volunteers commit to either daytime, evening or weekend shifts that meet their schedule during the tax season, which is between January 31 and April 15, 2010.

Learn more or download a volunteer flyer to share with a friend.

Get Help

The EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) is a refundable credit for working families. For eligibility information, visit www.makeworkpay.com/EITC or call United Way 211 (dial 2-1-1).

Where to go

Visit www.makeworkpay.com/where or call United Way 211 (dial 2-1-1) to find a free tax preparation site near you.

What to bring

• Valid Picture I.D.
• Social Security number(s) for you, your spouse, children and any others shown on the tax return
• A copy of last year's tax return
• Copies of ALL W-2s, 1098s, 1099s, Social Security statement, and the amount of other income received by you--and your spouse, if applicable
• Child/Dependent Care provider's tax identification number
• Student loan interest/college tuition expenses paid
• Form 8332 or copy of divorce decree for non-custodial parent claiming child
• If you plan a direct deposit of your refund into your checking or savings account, bring proof of account number and routing transit number of the financial institution - a copy of a voided check
• Additional documentation to claim possible tax credits